I will be traveling with 3 other people (4 total) to Indonesia early February 2026. We are flying into Jakarta and spending 3 days there, then intended to go to Bali for a week. Our goal is to take a major “time out” and relax looking at the beautiful water and sunsets, going into restaurants here and there, but mostly reading and relaxing. We found a great (small) Airbnb and they cancelled on us just last week due to “construction” near the house. I am having difficulty figuring out if there are actually rentals that look at the water that do not cost more than $400 USD a day. I did find one that is high up overlooking the water but cost was $13,000 for 5 days. Beyond my budget. We were looking near Uluwatu but I’m not opposed to going elsewhere. I have spent hours and hours searching on line, but it seems difficult. I have never been to Indonesia. We would like to avoid the busiest places like Canggu. Any advice?
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1805 posts
I am planning a Bali trip for 2026. I am not looking for Airbnbs but hotels. In general, Uluwatu is expensive because it's up and coming.
I am thinking about staying in Ubud in the middle of rice fields. To me, Bali beaches are not that great and over crowded. Ubud has busy parts too but some hotels deep on the hills may provide the peace and tranquility one desires.
Posted by
Singapore
973 posts
"We would like to avoid the busiest places like Canggu"
Without wanting to put you off, you may want to temper your expectations. Bali is very popular with tourists from around the region and Australia - from Singapore for example it's a weekend away. The whole of the south is incredibly touristy and congested, so I wouldn't avoid Canggu specifically. For peace and tranquility, consider the northern part of the island instead, perhaps somewhere like Lovina (although that's a 3 hour or so drive from the south).
Have you considered a hotel rather than a villa, for the convenience?
We've been to Bali quite a few times - last year we stayed in Seminyak, at the Mutiara, which was very nice. Having said that, it doesn't meet your requirement of a sea view - for that Uluwatu is a good spot.
Sorry to not be more specific - I'm sure you'll have a good time.
Posted by
OP
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
34 posts
Thank you for your replies. The goal is for the 4 of us (2 married couples) to have a living space where we can hang out together (hotels rooms generally aren’t great for that. We are definitely interested in quieter, more relaxing atmosphere and ability to view water and those legendary sunsets. We have never been there so have no idea what is realistic. Not opposed to going north - or even to another part of Indonesia. What about the Lombok area, Gili islands?
Posted by
Singapore
973 posts
Lombok is nice (although also very popular), but Bali has the convenience advantage, given your limited timings. In terms of villas, you're more limited given the small size of your group (they tend to cater for bigger groups, families, weddings etc). Don't rule out a hotel where you can just gather by the pool - we've done this quite a few times with groups.
Sunsets - beautiful from the beach at Seminyak.
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
675 posts
When we went to Bali in 2019 I found a lot of good advice on the tripadvisor forum. I would suggest posting there as well if you haven't . We loved Amed, but did stay in a small hotel. I do think you should consider looking at other options than a villa, it should not be that expensive to stay there. ( at least it wasn't 6 years ago). Many of the hotels you will have more of a cabana than a room, and a " lanai". As well several had extensive grounds to sit and visit on.
Posted by
9237 posts
We visited Bali while on a cruise from Australia. Our ship was there for two days and one night.
We enjoyed our excursions on land, but found traffic to be terrible. Crowds of tourists are huge.
Frankly, I wouldn't have wanted to stay there any longer.
I would suggest not paying through the nose for lodging,
Posted by
Singapore
973 posts
I wanted to add to a few of the comments on Bali, just to give some context. It's true that it is a budget destination for Australians, and a quick trip for many in the region, rather than a luxury vacation.
Having said that, if you can get out of the very touristy south (which is where the cruise ships and most tourists go), it is still beautiful. And it's hard to beat the friendliness and good service. And we go back regularly.
Incidentally, are you.locked in to flying via Jakarta?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
7308 posts
Stay far, far away from the over-touristed mess that is Kuta in the far southeast. Kuta does have lovely beaches, but it's Indonesia's version of Cancun (which admittedly also has nice beaches). Go to the north coast, you can still find Bali's traditional charm there.
Your requirement for a direct view of the sea with sunsets is something you will have to pay for. The further away you get Kuta will help with that, too.
Posted by
OP
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
34 posts
Thank you again, to all who replied, everything is helpful. Yes we are locked into flying into Jakarta. I don’t mind it, as we haven’t been and desired to go there also. We are retired and not on a timeline so can travel at leisure. Given all the suggestions, I am not looking for hotels in the north of Bali. That sounds like a good option. All additional comments will be appreciated.
Posted by
OP
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
34 posts
Sorry - typo noticed. I am now looking for hotels in the North of Bali. I just booked The Lovina. thank you!